Abu Dhabi International Market (ADGM) has launched a brand new spherical of updates to its digital asset regulatory framework, with the Monetary Providers Regulatory Authority (FSRA) outlining measures aimed toward tightening oversight whereas persevering with to encourage innovation throughout the fast-growing sector.
The bulletins have been made throughout Fintech Abu Dhabi at Abu Dhabi Finance Week, the place ADGM positioned the enhancements as the most recent step in its long-running effort to ascertain itself as a worldwide chief in digital asset regulation.
ADGM has regulated digital belongings since 2018, changing into one of many first jurisdictions to introduce a bespoke framework for the sector. Its ecosystem has since grown to incorporate greater than 20 regulated companies licensed to conduct actions involving digital belongings or fiat-referenced tokens, starting from exchanges and custodians to asset managers and token issuers.
ADGM expands digital asset guidelines
Following business session, the FSRA has now refined a number of areas of its digital asset framework. The changes embrace modifications to the method for classifying belongings as Accepted Digital Belongings inside ADGM, revised capital necessities and costs for digital asset companies, expanded funding choices for enterprise capital funds and the introduction of a particular product intervention energy focused at digital belongings.
The FSRA mentioned these steps mark an necessary section within the ongoing evolution of its rulebook.
Staking, a fast-growing exercise in digital markets, can also be beneath overview. In September 2025, the FSRA issued a session paper outlining a proposed regulatory strategy for digital asset staking, together with which authorised companies may conduct staking utilizing consumer belongings. Suggestions is now being assessed forward of any remaining rulemaking.
The regulator has additionally superior its framework for fiat-referenced tokens. Constructing on guidelines launched in December 2024, the FSRA finalised amendments in October this 12 months that make clear how these tokens could also be accepted to be used inside ADGM.
Efficient 1 January 2026, the revised guidelines widen the scope of regulated actions that may contain fiat-referenced tokens and tackle rising enterprise fashions, whereas making use of proportionate risk-based necessities.
Emmanuel Givanakis, CEO of the FSRA, mentioned the newest updates are designed to make sure ADGM stays on the forefront of regulatory improvement. “The FSRA continues to reinforce its digital asset regulatory framework to stay forward-looking and conscious of the subsequent wave of economic innovation, together with tokenisation, DeFi and AI-driven market participation. Our strategy balances innovation with sturdy governance, risk-based supervision and alignment with international requirements. We’re dedicated to enabling digital asset companies to scale inside a well-regulated worldwide monetary centre that prioritises transparency, resilience and long-term stability.”
